Help driving in Manhattan NY

Hi everyone, I wasn’t sure where to reach out to for advice then I thought why not the LJ family. I have been blessed with the task of taking both my Son and Daughter to Manhattan as they both found new jobs there. Since I have never driven there before and I am hoping someone can give me directions and shortcuts to the city. We are driving from MI to 329 East 63rd St. Manhattan. We were going to rent a Uhaul but we figured my pickup would work. I am also hoping to find Hotel suggestions for the area and any help. I appreciate any help and advice. It should be an adventure but when it comes to my kids I would move the heavens and even drive to NYC. Thanks everyone and have a great night. Flyboy

-- 160th S.O.A.R

12 replies so far

Depending on the route you take, you may approach the city from the north or the west. I prefer the north. Just be prepared to pay lots of tolls for either the GW Bridge, Tappan Zee or through the tunnels. I’d avoid the tunnels if you arrive during the day time. I hate to say it, but driving in NYC is one of the most stressful things one can do, especially with a truck. If you know you’ll be traveling a lot within the city (to see apartments, sights, etc), I strongly suggest parking and taking public transportation if possible. If you’re going just to drop stuff off and head out, then it’s not as much of a concern. In any case, there are lots of garages around 63rd… unfortunately they’re gonna cost!

As for the hotels, there are countless options in Midtown. As long as you don’t arrive on a special weekend, the rates shouldn’t be too outrageous.

I’ve had a lot of experience driving in Manhattan, and know a thing or two about the are (~2/3 of my life was spent in Manhattan). PM me if you want some more additional info or suggestions on a route/hotel/parking/driving/site seeing tips.

Route – I also say it depends on the route you take, but also to plan your day according to the time you expect to enter Manhattan. For weekdays, avoid 7am-10am and 3pm-8pm. For weekends, most of the entrances will be fairly congested any way you approach it.

Hotel – Each general neighborhood will have their own crazy price tag. I recommend staying away from any of the tourist areas for accommodations. Hotels are everywhere if you look online. Take a look at Hotels.com and/or Expedia and PM me if you have any specific questions about neighborhoods

Parking – With a truck, your best bet is to unload quickly and return it (if a rental) or find a parking lot (and prepare to pay ~$40-50+ a day). There are tricks to finding street parking, but that could take anywhere from 5 minutes to 50 minutes, or hours.

Driving – An outsider would call New York drivers aggressive, which is not a wrong way to look at it. A New Yorker (that is someone from Manhattan) calls it efficient. The important thing is to keep moving and to not be intimidated by the fact that everyone else is moving (and leaving no space). Since you’ll be driving the bigger car, think of it as a game of chicken ;-). For example, if you find yourself waiting at a light and you leave any merge space at all, other cars will inch their way in. This is especially true at the tolls for any bridge or tunnel entering the city (again Manhattan). The biggest car I’ve driven in NYC is a cargo van, and I won that game of chicken many times. Now if you thought the drivers were crazy, the pedestrians (esp in the ethnic neighborhoods) are even crazier. They’ll walk in front of your car when you have a green light and glare at you.

New York! ... Back in 1993 I remember one cold snowy night at 10:30 looking at the reception guy with a three foot high sign right behind him ”$69.00 per nite” He charged my card $125.00 when I asked about the difference he said “Supply and demand ya stayin or not?” I stayed but I will never forget.

I’ve probably driven in most major cities in the US. NYC stresses me out. Streets are narrow, drivers are crazy, and where ever the phrase friendliest city in the world came from is beyond me. Its even worse right now due to snow. I’ve even stayed in hotels just outside and commuted in when working in Manhattan.

I have a son that moved to Brooklyn, so I know your dilemma all to well. I took my first subway ride to see him a few weeks ago. Of course got on the wrong train. Paid the $30 for a car ride back after finally finding my way.

The only time I drove there was back in ‘79. I had a ‘76 Dodge Power Wagon 4 wheel drive pick-em-up truck with HUGE wheels and tires. Only had one guy give me any problem and when I offered to drive over his tiny car he moved it. LOL

Hi all, I knew I could count on some good advice from everyone. My Son always used to ask me why I learned to fly. I told him because while every idiot it seems can get a driver license only select idiots learn to fly hence less crowding in the air. He made his first trip there several months ago and after the ” ride from hell ” in a taxi he knew exactly what I meant. I have been googling Hotels and routes but I always feel that the best advice comes from those that have been there. I appreciate everyones help and look forward to any more I can get. Flyboy

I have probably stayed at most of the Marriotts in Manhattan. Other than the rooms being the size of a small walk in closet, I can’t complain. (and the price is double most other locations)

For other hotels, Don’t go by the online walk through. I have no idea how they can actually make some of them look livable. Try to stick with a reputable name or chain. Some of the no names can be pretty dangerous to stay in. And I’m a guy that has no problem sleeping in the woods.